Over the years, my ideal client description has changed. In the beginning, as any new entrepreneur, I used to be green as well as inexperienced. My perfect client description wasn't limiting. At first, my ideal client included anybody who I can beg to employ me both for free and trade of services. However, I soon discovered, like a lot of you might have, that working for free does not pay bills. I had to do something different, and something different just couldn't be taking on another job to support my entrepreneurial business. Then, I realized that I had to be more discriminating with my clientele. I realized that if I want to to pay my bills, I had to define my clients as individuals with the income to pay me.
At first glance, that limitation only taking on clients who can pay might seem selfish. However, think about it. You have to determine whether your business is turning into a charity or are you in business to generate money for yourself and your loved ones. It is not your responsibility to provide services for people who can't afford your services. When you decide that you are worth it, then other people will see you as somebody who is worth it, too.
At the same time, you cannot be ridiculous with your fees. If the standard pricing in your area is $99 bucks, you cannot suddenly charge $299 without a reputation of being good at what you do and having followers. However, you can up charge a bit so that you set yourself apart from the other people in your industry. Even though, you might have to practice telling Why you're worth their investment and distinguishing yourself as more valuable for your services and uniqueness. When you can accomplish that without sounding defensive, then you are very likely to get the amount you are requesting.
I should clarify that when I say that you should not work for free, I do not mean that you shouldn't work for free. In the event that you've got the opportunity to speak at a venue with any audience including people who may have the capability to compensate you for the services later, then speak. Additionally, if you're invited to speak at no cost for a venue with an audience which includes people of influence who've got attachments to groups or organizations with money to pay you for other events, then speak for free.
Other opportunities might present themselves, too. Let's say a venue doesn't have the funding to pay for you, yet they've got the means to present you with photographs as well as videography of the presentation, then consider speaking at no cost. Along those lines, if the venue provides you with free advertising and marketing, then you are in great shape for speaking. As you can tell, there can be situations that warrant free talks for later payoff, so you should be discriminate with your time.
Now, once I coach other people, I ask them to determine who their customers are in the world. Who are they? What do they do? How much money do they make? Personally for me, my perfect customers are individuals who are able to afford my services. Over time, I've achieved a level of excellence along with a high quality level of clients who're determined, focused, and committed to doing it. Therefore, I'm able to become more selective. You will notice that, in the beginning, you might have to be inclusive of most. Nonetheless, remember a shit disturber isn't worth your time or cash. Don't be so desperate that you allow someone else to monopolize your time, attention, and money.
At first glance, that limitation only taking on clients who can pay might seem selfish. However, think about it. You have to determine whether your business is turning into a charity or are you in business to generate money for yourself and your loved ones. It is not your responsibility to provide services for people who can't afford your services. When you decide that you are worth it, then other people will see you as somebody who is worth it, too.
At the same time, you cannot be ridiculous with your fees. If the standard pricing in your area is $99 bucks, you cannot suddenly charge $299 without a reputation of being good at what you do and having followers. However, you can up charge a bit so that you set yourself apart from the other people in your industry. Even though, you might have to practice telling Why you're worth their investment and distinguishing yourself as more valuable for your services and uniqueness. When you can accomplish that without sounding defensive, then you are very likely to get the amount you are requesting.
I should clarify that when I say that you should not work for free, I do not mean that you shouldn't work for free. In the event that you've got the opportunity to speak at a venue with any audience including people who may have the capability to compensate you for the services later, then speak. Additionally, if you're invited to speak at no cost for a venue with an audience which includes people of influence who've got attachments to groups or organizations with money to pay you for other events, then speak for free.
Other opportunities might present themselves, too. Let's say a venue doesn't have the funding to pay for you, yet they've got the means to present you with photographs as well as videography of the presentation, then consider speaking at no cost. Along those lines, if the venue provides you with free advertising and marketing, then you are in great shape for speaking. As you can tell, there can be situations that warrant free talks for later payoff, so you should be discriminate with your time.
Now, once I coach other people, I ask them to determine who their customers are in the world. Who are they? What do they do? How much money do they make? Personally for me, my perfect customers are individuals who are able to afford my services. Over time, I've achieved a level of excellence along with a high quality level of clients who're determined, focused, and committed to doing it. Therefore, I'm able to become more selective. You will notice that, in the beginning, you might have to be inclusive of most. Nonetheless, remember a shit disturber isn't worth your time or cash. Don't be so desperate that you allow someone else to monopolize your time, attention, and money.
About the Author:
James Malinchak, Highlighted on ABC's Hit Television Show Secret Millionaire, is known as by many people experts as the World's #1 Big Money Speaker Coach and Trainer. For Free of charge Video Trainings concerning how to get money to speak and the way to be a inspirational speaker, check out http://www.millionairespeakersecrets.com/.
